resume format in singapore

Singapore Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in Singapore? This Singapore Resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume.

Applying for a job in Singapore? This resume guide has the perfect Singapore resume tips, formats, examples, and templates to help you write the perfect Singapore resume.

Singapore Resume Requirements

The top requirements for a Singapore resume to be successful are:

• Your name, contact information and location.
• Photo on a resume - Generally it isn’t required. However, it is recommended for entry-level candidates and Gahmen jobs.
• A resume summary.
• Work experience.
• Education and academic background.
• A resume in either a PDF or MS Word. PDF is generally accepted in Singapore.
• Resume should be detailed enough. More than a one-page resume is welcomed.
• The right resume format that matches your experience, skills, etc.
• Language: Resumes in English are fine.

Now that we have established the most important requirements for a Singapore resume, let’s take a look at each of these resume requirements in more detail.

What is the Right Resume Length for Singapore?

The acceptable length of resume for Singapore is 2 pages. Short resumes generally don’t give enough context to hiring managers and hence longer resumes are common and acceptable in Singapore.

Singapore Resume Format

Singapore resumes typically follow the common resume formats that are popular worldwide. Top Singapore resume formats for experienced professionals are:

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format

If you are an experienced professional, a reverse chronological format would be a great fit for your resume. However, if you are someone who's experienced, but are trying to transition to another role you should consider a functional or a combination resume format.

Reverse Chronological Singapore Resume Format Example

Functional Singapore Resume Format Example

Combination Singapore Resume Format Example

We also recommend function or combination resume format for entry-level Singapore resumes.

Singapore Resume - Contact Information Tips

While creating the resume header, make sure to add the following information in it:

• Your contact information including your phone number, town, and a professional email address to contact you.
• Make sure to link to your personal portfolio, Linkedin profile, or to your blog.
• Additionally, you can consider adding your nationality. Companies have a hiring quota for foreign nationals, so when you add nationality it saves a ton of time for you and the hiring manager.

Should you Add a Photo to your Singapore Resume?

Generally, adding a photograph to your resume is considered acceptable. It however invites biases in hiring. If you are graduating from university, keeping a photo on your resume is generally advised. Also, if you are applying for Gahmen jobs, adding your photo to your resume is required.

Resume or CV for Singapore Jobs?

CV or resume are used interchangeably in Singapore and make a little difference. Just keep in mind that Singapore's resumes are a bit more detailed as compared to resumes that we see commonly in other parts of the world.

Singapore Resume Templates and Examples

Professional singapore resume example.

Administrative Resume Example for Singapore

Customer Support Resume Example for Singapore

Marketing Resume Example for Singapore

Management Resume Example for Singapore

Accounting Resume Example for Singapore

Frequently asked questions, how do i write a good singapore resume.

To write a good Singapore resume, make sure you add a short powerful summary at the top, follow the STAR method to describe your experience, list your skills, and properly describe your education.

What Fonts to Use in My Singapore Resume?

For resumes that are in the English language, we recommend that you either use Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Roboto as fonts. Use serif-type fonts when your target job is a bit more traditional, else use Sans-serif fonts.

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• Career switch
• Career planning

3 minute read

September 26, 2019

4 Resume Templates to Use That Work Best for Singaporean Employers

Before you start applying for a job, it is imperative to have a killer resume. after all, your resume could make or break a first impression..

A comprehensive resume should detail your key traits and abilities as well as your work experience.

It should highlight the key achievements and accomplishments in the workplace.

Your resume should also include brief information about your academic qualifications as well as your interests. There are no one-size-fits-all resumes. If you need some inspiration to beef up your resume, check out four of the most popular templates below!

Chronological resumes

The chronological resume is probably one of the most common resume templates used today. It helps recruiters get a quick and thorough understanding of your most relevant and recent experiences.

This format is ideal for jobseekers who have had several years of experience in one industry. If you have worked for various companies in a particular industry, then this template would be useful in exhibiting your key skills and abilities.

Attend walk-in interviews, virtual career fairs, workshops and more! Explore Career GRIT and find events and other resources best suited to your career journey. Check it out now.

Pen your own chronological resume

Your resume should include contact information as well as relevant employment history. Ensure that you incorporate the following in this order:

• Your name and contact information (mobile number, email, and social media platforms)
• A brief introduction about yourself
• Employment history in chronological order
• Educational history in chronological order
• Skills and interests

Try to keep your resume to one page and exclude all irrelevant job experiences as most recruiters do not spend any longer than a minute on one applicant.

Functional resumes

Unlike chronological resumes, a functional resume focuses on skills, qualifications and job experience. It also places emphasis on qualities and personality traits.

If you are a mother who has taken extended periods of time off work to care for your children or a jobseeker who is researching for opportunities outside of your industry, you might want to consider using a functional resume instead of a chronological one.

Craft a functional resume like a pro

There is no strict template for a functional resume. Regardless, make sure to include these details in the following sequence:

• Name and contact information
• A short summary of your qualifications
• Work experience
• Group your primary skills and abilities
• Document your academic qualifications

The trick to nailing a functional resume is choosing the right words that get your resume noticed. Research some of the keywords and specific qualities recruiters look out for and weave them into your resume.

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Combination resumes

The next format is a combination of chronological and functional resumes. Like a functional resume, a combination resume is ideal for jobseekers who have skills and abilities that are more relevant than employment history. Essentially, a combination resume exhibits what you can do, not what you have done.

However, a combination resume does not neglect employment history. Instead, it includes relevant employment history and also lists key skills and knowledge you have developed from them.

A template combination resume

While the combination resume is more flexible in nature, incorporate these important pieces of information:

• A brief summary of your skills and qualities
• Professional experience
• Education and credentials

Feel free to get creative with a combination resume!

Targeted resumes

The final resume format on our list is a targeted resume. This resume is customised based on the position you want and the industry you would like to enter. Not only will aligning your resume get you noticed but it would be easier for you to demonstrate that you are the perfect fit for the job. Click here to learn more about how aligning your resume can increase your chances of nailing a role.

Tailor your resume to impress recruiters

Like combination resumes, there is no fixed targeted resume format. Insert the following in a cohesive manner and your resume should be good to go:

• Name and contact details
• Summary of qualifications
• Work history
• Education and training

Make sure all experiences and qualifications are related. For example, if you are thinking of applying for a role as a writer, include information about your written abilities as well as past projects you had to work on that involved a great deal of writing.

Or, consider crafting an online resume. Read on to find out how .

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The best Singapore resume format

Briony Ranasinghe

Are you a fresh graduate or experienced professional looking for a job in Singapore?  Maybe you are a student hoping to get a part-time job while you study? Whatever the reason, you know you need a resume that fits Singapore resume standards.

This article is the guide you need to know everything about the format, layout and sections of the Singapore resume. Let’s get started.

Want to build your Singapore Resume online? Cresuma’s resume builder can do the job for you.

CV Vs. Resume

First things first, is it a CV or resume in Singapore? Don’t worry, it’s both. In Singapore, companies use both CV and resume on job adverts and the two terms are used interchangeably.

However, what you should be concerned about is length. Most recruiters want to get a sense of who you are, so the Singaporean resume or CV should be about 2 pages long.

Types of Resume Formats

1. chronological or reverse-chronological format.

The most common resume format is the chronological format. It is also a great format for experienced professionals. In this format, work experience is highlighted with the most recent employment role placed first and working backwards chronologically. It helps employers to understand the career progression of the applicant in a clear, easy-to-read fashion.

2. Functional Format

This format is best for freshers or students looking for part-time work. It also can be used by those looking for a career change or having an employment gap. In this format, transferrable skills are more highlighted than experience. It also allows you to highlight your achievements or education.

3. Combination Format

This format combines both the chronological and functional resume format. Your achievements and skills come to the forefront above a work experience section that is placed in chronological order.

For more details on the types of resume formats, check our article on the best resume formats 2024 .

Now that you know the different types of resume formats, you need to know the sections of your resume and what you should add to them.

Parts of a Resume

1. personal details.

As in most countries, the first part of the Singapore resume is the personal profile. This section will include your name, contact details (phone number, address and email address), professional social media accounts and a photo of yourself.

Remember to use a professional email address such as [email protected] instead of a personal one like [email protected] as it will give a better impression.

2. Resume Summary

A resume summary is usually a few lines that catches a recruiter’s attention. It is a good place to highlight your skills, experience, and education to the company in a way that grabs their attention and persuades them to hire or interview you. In other words, this is where you begin to sell yourself as the perfect candidate for the company.

A good method to gather a hiring manager’s attention is to use keywords that capture attention. Industry specific keywords, and keywords found in the vacancy announcement are a great tool that you can use.

3. Professional Experience

This section is one of the most important in the resume as it proves the claims that you make in the summary. It shows the progression of your career and the skills and achievements that you have received as a result of your work.

The format to mention your experience is your job title, how long you worked (date employment began – date employment finished), the company you worked for, and 2-3 bullet points detailing your achievements.

Rather than stating the responsibilities of your post, it is better to highlight key achievements. Mention awards that you have received or significant results that you have got with figures or percentages to really show that you are highly experienced.

4.Skills and Competencies

This section shows the skills that you have already gained through your experience and education. Listing your hard and soft skills is a good way for employers to know your strengths and whether you would be an asset to their organization.

Rather than just listing your skills, try to mention an example of when you used the relevant skill. Remember to avoid buzzwords that harm your resume.

5. Education

Your educational qualifications can be an important part of your resume as it supports the claims you make in the previous resume sections such as the summary, skills and work experience. Often companies will list the minimum educational qualifications that are required for a position on the vacancy announcement.

The format for the educational section is almost the same as your work experience. You need to specify the qualification title, the years you studied and the name of the school/university/college that you attended.

Write your qualification in the same way that it is mentioned in the job advertisement to make it easier for the recruiter to identify that you have the required qualifications.

6. Special Achievements

This section is not compulsory, but it is always good to show that you have received recognition for your work. List any relevant awards that you have received in this section.

If you don’t have any awards to mention, mention other relevant skills or hobbies that you have like a foreign language.

7. References

You need to have two references on your resume. Type in their names, designations, company they work for and current contact details.

Remember to ask your references before using their details in the resume and to inform them of the company and position you have applied for after you send in your CV.

Now that you know the Singapore resume format, see our tips for international resume formats for other countries .

For more information on writing the perfect resume, check our career guides .

Job Search Essentials

Featured articles, resume & cv, best resume formats for 2024 (with 10+ templates).

July 04, 2024

A well-written CV starts with selecting the right resume format. 

But what is the best resume format for you? More importantly, which format is the most effective in helping you land your dream job?

In this Resume Format Guide for 2024, we will explore various resume formats, identify the best resume format for you, and share templates for you to get started with these effective resume formats.

See our other most popular articles:

• ATS-friendly Resume Templates
• 50+ Resume Samples
• Ultimate CV Guide
• Contact us to write your CV

In This Guide:

Resume Guideline

Your resume layout matters.

Here are the standard rules you should follow when formatting a resume:

• Set  one-inch margins  on all four sides.  This keeps your resume neat and ensures that you don’t have large, stretched blocks of text that look unprofessional.
• Pick an  11 or 12pt resume font  and stick to it.  Choose an attention-grabbing (but professional) font. We recommend Roboto or Overpass. 
• Divide your resume into legible sections : Contact Information, Resume Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Use  bullet points   to list work achievements and responsibilities, academic details, etc. They help make the resume much more readable.
• Be consistent with your resume formatting  (stick to the exact date format: e.g.,  11–2018  or  November 2018 .)
• Use single or 1.15 line spacing.  You don’t want the information on your resume to look all cramped up. 
• Add an extra space before and after each section heading.
• Don’t make your resume longer than  one page .  Unless you have many years of relevant work experience, there’s no reason for your resume to be two or three pages long.
• Don’t use photos on your resume.  Unless the job description specifically asks for them.
• Permanently save your resume as a PDF file.  It’s the safest choice, as it guarantees your resume layout will stay intact no matter what device opens it. 

Top 3 Resume Formats in 2024

There are 3 Resume Formats dominating the Resume Writing industry in 2024:

• Reverse-chronological
• Combination (of Reverse-chronological and Functional Resumes)

What are these formats exactly, and how do they differ?

1. Reverse-chronological Resume Format

The Reverse-chronological format puts your latest work experiences at the top, followed by past work experiences.

This is the most common resume format used by jobseekers. You might even be following this format with your own resume too!

2. Functional Resume Format

The Functional format emphasizes more on your skills than prior work experience. It is also known as a “skills-based resume”. 

In this format, your Key Skills and Areas of Expertise dominate the top of your resume, followed by Work Experiences curated to show how you’ve applied your skills across different roles you’ve held in your career.

3. Combination Resume Format

As its name suggests, the Combination format merges elements from the Reverse-chronological and Functional formats.

This results in a resume with a strong emphasis on your skills, but also an emphasis on work experience arranged in a chronological manner. 

Of the 3 formats, most jobseekers will likely follow the reverse-chronological format.

It’s effective, clear, and simple to read.

It works very well for entry-level and mid-level workers.

But trouble arises when you progress into your career. The reverse-chronological format could lead to a very lengthy CV of more than 2 pages.

Your resume might read like an autobiography, outlining every nitty gritty detail in your career.

Over time it becomes very difficult to read, and more ineffective at landing you new jobs.

So what can you do?

At ResumeWriter, we’ve written thousands of effective Resumes that land our clients jobs (we refund their purchase if they don’t!)

And we’ve found that one format is the most effective at catching the readers’ attention, so you can land a new role.

(Hint: It’s none of the above three formats!)

Best Resume Format in 2024 (Recommended by Us)

• Senior Sales Director with 10+ years of experience in B2C sales to clients in industries such as FMCG, F&B, hospitality, and automotive.
• < More career overview or key workscope lines here >
• Discover how to write an Executive Summary here
• Lead team of 10 executives to drive all aspects of sales and marketing for leading FMCG brand.
• Prepare strategic business plan, monthly reports, setting of revenue targets, and business forecasts.
• <More work descriptions here>
• Consistently exceeded sales target by 120% month on month.
• Learn how to Write Accomplishments on your Resume here .
• <Insert work descriptions here>
• <Insert achievements here>
• [Degree], [Course], [Institution] | YYYY-YYYY
• Technical Skills: MS Office Suite
• Languages: English, Chinese
• Availability: 1 months’ notice

References available upon request [There’s no need to list your references; if HR is interested in you they will ask you for them.]

After 10 years of writing CVs , we’ve discovered that this resume format works best in 2024 that brings real results for our clients.

• It is concise . Starting your Resume with an Executive Summary tells recruiters all they need to know about your career highlights in a snap. 
• It captures your skills . Our resume format captures the skills-based resume format, and more.
• It showcases your value-add . Achievements are added separately from Work Experiences, making your unique accomplishments crystal-clear.
• It shows your career narrative . A career narrative helps you stand out from other jobseekers with a similar background as yourself. 
• It is readable by ATS scanners. By inserting headers and keywords that ATS scanners look out for, your resume becomes more parsable and more likely to be sent to a human reader.

It is readable by humans . Our resume format is more modular than a reverse-chronological format. This tells recruiters your critical career highlights, while keeping your resume concise and readable.

8 Resume Formatting Tips to Beat ATS Scanners

Our resume format is effective, but can only get you so far if it’s filled with ineffective content.

Here are some resume formatting and writing tips to bear in mind:

• Name and Professional Title
• Personal/Contact Information
• Executive Summary
• Key Skills/Technical Skills
• Work Experience
• Achievements
• Education & Professional Qualifications
• Awards & Certifications
• Miscellaneous Information
• Times New Roman
• Remove photographs from your resume.
• Keep your resume as short and as concise as possible. Leave out work descriptions that are already implied or obvious.
• Focus on your current and latest 2-3 work experiences. Condense or omit earlier roles such as internships and part-time jobs if possible.
• Quantify your Achievements and Work Experiences where possible.
• Ensure sufficient spacing between sections and sentences so your resume is readable.
• Save your Resume as a PDF or Microsoft Word file.

Now that you’ve learnt our most effective resume format, why not try writing one of your own?

Get extra resume help and download one of our 10+ Resume Templates today! Our templates are designed in our recommended format and written by professional resume writers.

10+ Resume Templates with our Resume Format

#1 timeless black.

Timeless Black is a simple yet elegant ATS friendly template. Recruiters love this for its condensed text block and easy to read sections.

#2 Professional Blue

Simple yet distinctive in style. A slight shade of blue that looks great even when printed in black & white.

#3 Professional Black

An all black variation of our professional template.

#4 Classic Red

A clean template with an exciting dash of red. Perfect if you’re looking to stand out with a bit of colour.

#5 Classic Blue

A blue variation of our classic template. A more understated but still colourful option.

#6 Bold Red

A striking template with bold text and distinctive red tones. Gives a very macho feel.

#7 Modern Blue

A more contemporary style, with dashes of blue scattered throughout.

#8 Modern Purple

Variation of our modern template, with a fun hue of purple.

#9 Modern Green

Variation of our modern template, with a touch of green to add colour to the CV.

#10 Simple Violet

Simple template with a fresh shade of violet.

#11 Simple Green

Variation of our simple template with a soothing tone of green.

Common Questions about Resume Formats

What resume formats do you recommend.

The majority of people can stick with the Reverse-chronological Resume Format . A Functional Resume Format can be a better option if you have more skills than experience.

What is the most common resume format?

The Reverse-chronological Resume Format is the most commonly used CV format across the board, with the vast majority of templates using this style.

Are a resume format and resume template the same thing?

The answer is that no, not really. Whilst a template is a downloadable document that gives you a skeleton of your CV and will set out your format, the format itself is the order of which you choose to write your CV. So whilst they’re related, they’re not the same thing.

How do I write a simple resume?

Writing a simple resume doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you include all of the essential items of a CV (like your Executive Summary, Achievements and Experiences of your career, you should be fine.

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